STAFF and pupils at a primary school said they are upset after their office was ransacked by thieves overnight.

Meadowhead Community and Infant School in Blackburn had its office broken into in the earlier hours of yesterday morning.

Staff said a small amount of money was taken which was the collection for a gift for a colleague who had recently given birth.

A locked draw was also prised open which contained a tub of school fund coins totalling around £30 which parents donated to to help towards extra activities, gifts and special occasions.

The office was also completely overturned by thieves and damage was done to a window, which staff think was opened with a crowbar.

Headteacher Sue Mellor urged anyone who may know anything about what happened to get in contact with the school or police.

She said: “The thieves have turned everything upside down and pulled everything out.

“There was computers which were left so they must have been looking for money.

“Staff and students have been really upset about it, especially the children that saw it this morning.

“The school is a real hub in the community, we just don’t know who could have done this.

“It’s taken all day to get it all in order and tidy everything up.”

An alarm was activated during the break-in which alerted the site supervisor, who attended and called the police.

Staff also said the incident caused a large inconvenience to the school yesterday for any parents trying to contact them.

Mrs Mellor said: “We had to tell parents to text us instead of ringing because we couldn’t access to the phones in the office.

“We’ve already got financial difficulties and this will all have to be paid for and it will cost a considerable amount.

“It was just a lot of upheaval and inconvenience.”

Police said they were looking into the incident and urged anyone with any information to get in contact.

A spokesman said: “The incident happened sometime between 4.30am and 4.50am.

“A window was forced open which allowed them to get in.

“We are currently investigating the incident.”

Anyone with information should call 101.